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5 Players the San Francisco 49ers May Cut in 2016

By Peter Panacy

May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Corey Lemonier

Statistics

Outside linebacker Corey Lemonier has officially reached “bust” status after San Francisco selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.

And to think the Niners traded up to get him.

Lemonier, a solid pass-rusher at the University of Auburn, never materialized into such with the 49ers. Over three seasons, Lemonier has registered just one sack and a lowly 27 tackles. He would have had a better shot at the start of 2014 when former linebacker Aldon Smith was suspended for nine games.

But Lemonier never seized on the opportunity and was relegated to a backup role.

And he appeared in just 10 games in 2015 despite having a healthy track record.

Entering his fourth pro season, Lemonier will count for $820,880 against the cap should he stay with the 49ers all season long. But San Francisco could save over 80 percent of that salary should he be cut prior to June 1.

Additionally, parting ways with Lemonier prior to the season would give second-year linebacker Eli Harold a chance to prove himself to a greater extent. It should also open up the door for edge-rusher Tank Carradine to see more of the field.

Speaking of Carradine.

Next: Tank Carradine